Book excerpt: Fortune smiles on a former lady turned French governess when she reunites with an ambitious young man from her past in this Victorian romance. When Lady Alexandra Mannerly last saw Malcolm Gordston, he was a poor crofter’s son—someone a sheltered duke’s daughter would never be allowed to marry. But after scandal rocked her arrogant family, Alex’s prospects changed dramatically. Now she leads a quiet life as a governess in Paris—where she meets Malcolm again! Though Alex is embarrassed by her predicament, Malcolm is delighted to see her again. The humble young man has grown up to be a wealthy and powerful department store owner. All he lacks is the woman he never forgot . . .